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Court Rules
Judge

Judge Wende C. Cross

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Rules last changed:
Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas, General Division

Limits & Logistics

Courtesy Copies

Motion, Brief

Sentencing Memorandum

Adjournments

  • A continuance request should specify a date, preferably agreed to by opposing counsel, and counsel must have a valid reason for requesting it.
  • Requests for continuances or extensions of time must be made in writing.
  • Counsel should contact opposing counsel before filing a continuance or extension motion to determine whether it will be opposed.
  • +1 more

Request must include

Reason for RequestProposed Rescheduled Date

Communication

Phone

Chambers

Scheduling
Cases:
Filters:

Document Format Requirements2 rules

FormattingMandatory

Counsel for the plaintiff shall be responsible for ensuring that a copy of the proposed jury instructions and verdict forms are emailed in word format to the staff attorney at least fourteen (14) days before the scheduled trial date.

FormattingMandatory

Exhibits shall be bound and marked before trial and submitted to the court prior to trial.

Document Filing Requirements10 rules

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCriminal cases

Check all applicable registration requirements and attach the corresponding registry plea addenda to the plea.

Court's wording

I further understand that being convicted of certain offenses may come with registration duties. The offenses I am pleading to involve the following registration requirements (check all that apply and attach the appropriate forms to this plea): ___ Sexual offender or child victim offender registration (attach Sex Offender/Child Victim Offender Registry Plea Addendum) ___ Arson offender registration (attach Arson Offender Registry Plea Addendum) ___ Violent offender registration (attach Violent Offender Database Plea Addendum) ___ None of my offenses have registration requirements

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCriminal cases

Attach the corresponding registry plea addendum for each applicable registration requirement.

Court's wording

The offenses I am pleading to involve the following registration requirements (check all that apply and attach the appropriate forms to this plea): ___ Sexual offender or child victim offender registration (attach Sex Offender/Child Victim Offender Registry Plea Addendum) ___ Arson offender registration (attach Arson Offender Registry Plea Addendum) ___ Violent offender registration (attach Violent Offender Database Plea Addendum)

03No-Contest-Plea-Reagan-Tokes-Rev-5-22-23 · p. 3
|SectionENTRY WITHDRAWING PLEA OF NOT GUILTY AND ENTERING PLEA OF NO CONTEST
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Trial briefs must include facts, controlling law, stipulations, a witness list with testimony descriptions, and an exhibit list with descriptions.

Document
Trial brief

Include

  • Exhibit list
  • Statement of facts

Court's wording

Trial briefs are to include: a statement of the facts; a discussion of the controlling law; any stipulations; witness list along with a brief description of the subject matter of the testimony of each witness; exhibit list containing a brief description of each exhibit.

Filing RequirementsMandatory

Parties in civil cases are required to confer with one another and provide the Court with a brief statement of the case to be read to the jury by the Court prior to opening statements pursuant to Civ.R. 47(A).

Filing RequirementsMandatory

All motions must be in writing and accompanied by a proposed Order.

Document
Motion

Must include

  • Proposed order
Filing RequirementsMandatory

The instructions agreed upon by all counsel shall be identified. Disputed instructions shall likewise be identified along with separate citation to legal authority for each.

Filing RequirementsMandatory

Each party must file a pretrial statement no less than one week prior to the final pretrial.

Oh Hamilton:4a44e86febb7e7ddcd11a5ec
|SectionFinal Pretrial or Settlement Conference
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Counsel must confer with one another with respect to the proposed jury instructions, with a view to reaching agreement on instructions to be requested.

Filing RequirementsImportantCivil cases

If the parties determine that one is necessary, they will submit a joint proposed order to the Court.

Document
Protective order

Include

  • Proposed order
rule26-v5-Updated 1 · p. 5
|SectionH. Protective Order
Filing RequirementsImportant

The final pretrial statement should provide the Court with a brief synopsis of the case, the status of any settlement negotiations, the expected length of trial including the number of potential witnesses, and any special issues or trial needs anticipated.

Oh Hamilton:4a44e86febb7e7ddcd11a5ec
|SectionFinal Pretrial or Settlement Conference

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

Rule 26(B) disclosures must not be filed with the Court.

NOTE: Rule 26(B) disclosures are not to be filed with the Court.

Civil cases

Page 1 | A. Rule 26(B) Disclosures

The completed form should be submitted to CrossLawClerk@cms.hamilton-co.org.

Please submit completed form to CrossLawClerk@cms.hamilton-co.org

Civil cases

Page 1

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

Any appeal must be filed within 30 days of the sentence.

I understand my right to appeal a maximum sentence, my other limited appellate rights, and that any appeal must be filed within 30 days of my sentence.

Criminal cases

Page 3 | GUILTY PLEA — ENTRY WITHDRAWING PLEA OF NOT GUILTY AND ENTERING PLEA OF GUILTY

The Rule 26(F) Conference Report and Discovery Plan must be filed at least seven days before the initial case management conference.

(to be filed not later than seven (7) days Defendant(s). : prior to the initial case management : conference)

Civil cases

Page 1 | RULE 26(F) CONFERENCE REPORT AND DISCOVERY PLAN

Any appeal must be filed within 30 days of sentencing.

I understand my right to appeal a maximum sentence, my other limited appellate rights, and that any appeal must be filed within 30 days of my sentence.

Criminal cases

Page 2 | ENTRY WITHDRAWING PLEA OF NOT GUILTY AND ENTERING AN ALFORD PLEA

Any appeal must be filed within thirty days of the sentence.

I understand my right to appeal a maximum sentence, my other limited appellate rights, and that any appeal must be filed within thirty days of my sentence.

Criminal cases

Page 3 | ENTRY WITHDRAWING PLEA OF NOT GUILTY AND ENTERING PLEA OF NO CONTEST

A motion in limine must be filed at least 21 days before trial.

In accordance with Civ.R. 6, the Court orders that any Motion in Limine is to be filed at least 21 days before trial.

Page 1 | TRIALS

In bench trials, parties must submit trial briefs and motions in limine no later than 14 days before trial.

Parties shall submit trial briefs, motions in limine, no later than fourteen (14) days before trial.

Page 1 | Bench Trials

In bench trials, opposing briefs to motions in limine must be filed no later than seven days before trial.

Opposing briefs to motions in limine shall be filed no later than seven (7) days before trial.

Page 1 | Bench Trials

Trial briefs and jury instructions must be submitted no later than 14 days before trial.

Parties shall submit trial briefs and jury instructions, no later than fourteen (14) days before trial.

Page 1 | Jury Trials

A reply is not permitted in the motion-in-limine briefing sequence.

No Reply shall be permitted.

Page 1 | TRIALS

An opposition to a motion in limine is due 14 days thereafter.

Any response in opposition is due 14 days thereafter.

Page 1 | TRIALS

Sentencing memorandums are highly encouraged and should be filed no later than three days before the sentencing hearing.

Sentencing Memorandums are highly encouraged and should be filed with the Court no later than 3 days before the sentencing hearing.

Page 1 | Sentencing

Courtesy Copy Requirements

A file-stamped courtesy copy of the sentencing memorandum should be provided to the court.

A file-stamped courtesy copy should be provided to the court.

Page 1 | Sentencing

A file-stamped courtesy copy should be provided to the court for any motion and responsive briefs.

A file-stamped courtesy copy of any motion and briefs filed in response should be provided to the court.

Page 1 | Motion Practice

Pre-Motion Conference Requirements

Before filing a motion to compel over an unresolved discovery dispute, the parties must contact the Staff Attorney in civil cases or the Bailiff in criminal cases; the court will schedule a conference by telephone, video, or in person.

If discovery disputes remain, the parties are to contact Judge Cross’s Staff Attorney (civil) or Bailiff (criminal) prior to filing any motions to compel. A conference with the Court will be scheduled either via telephone, video, or in-person.

Page 1 | Discovery

Civil motions are generally decided on the papers after briefing is complete, without oral argument.

Motions filed in civil cases are generally taken under submission without oral argument after briefing is complete.

Page 1 | Motion Practice

The parties are encouraged to work together to resolve discovery disputes.

The parties are encouraged to work together to resolve all discovery disputes.

Page 1 | Discovery

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

Requests for continuances or extensions of time must be made in writing.

All requests for continuances or extensions of time must be made in writing.

Page 1 | Calendaring and Continuances

A trial date may be continued only by the court and only in exceptional circumstances.

Trial dates are continued only in exceptional circumstances and only by the Court.

Page 1 | Calendaring and Continuances

Counsel should contact opposing counsel before filing a continuance or extension motion to determine whether it will be opposed.

Counsel should contact opposing counsel prior to filing the motion to determine whether the motion will be opposed.

Page 1 | Calendaring and Continuances

A continuance request should specify a date, preferably agreed to by opposing counsel, and counsel must have a valid reason for requesting it.

When requesting a continuance, parties should provide the Court with a specific date for the continuance, preferably with the concurrence of opposing counsel. Counsel must have a valid reason for requesting any continuance.

Page 1 | Calendaring and Continuances

Chambers Communication Rules

For a civil motion to withdraw as counsel, follow Local Rule 10(D) and call the Staff Attorney to schedule a hearing.

For motions to withdraw as counsel in civil cases, follow Local Rule 10(D) and call the Staff Attorney to schedule a hearing.

Page 1 | Motion Practice

The court sets oral argument in a civil case only when requested.

Oral argument in a civil case is set only upon request.

Page 1 | Motion Practice

Before contacting Judge Cross’s Staff Attorney to schedule oral argument on a civil motion, contact opposing counsel.

Contact opposing counsel prior to contacting Judge Cross’s Staff Attorney to set any civil motion for oral argument.

Page 1 | Motion Practice

Court-wide rules

Applies court-wide

These 1 rules apply across Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas, General Division. Where this judge's own standing orders above address the same topic, the judge's requirement controls.

Filing Requirements

All 1
  • Applies to
    Mental health docket assessment order

    The Mental Health Docket Assessment Order must allow at least 30 days for the assessment to be completed.

About Judge Wende C. Cross
  • Courtroom: Room 380
  • Location: Hamilton County Courthouse
  • Address: 1000 Main Street, Room 380, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
  • Phone (bailiff): 513-946-5860
  • Phone (staff attorney): 513-946-5862
  • Fax: (513) 946-5864
  • Email (bailiff): LHoward@hamiltoncountycourtsoh.gov
  • Email (staff attorney): LMains@hamiltoncountycourtsoh.gov
  • Bailiff: Lawrenceene Howard
  • Staff attorney: Laura Mains
Common questions about Judge Wende C. Cross's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Wende C. Cross?

Courtesy-copy rule applies for motions and briefs. A file-stamped courtesy copy should be provided to the court for any motion and responsive briefs.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Motion Practice

Does Judge Wende C. Cross require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Before filing a motion to compel over an unresolved discovery dispute, the parties must contact the Staff Attorney in civil cases or the Bailiff in criminal cases; the court will schedule a conference by telephone, video, or in person.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Discovery

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Wende C. Cross?

Judge Wende C. Cross' formatting rule includes plaintiff’s counsel must ensure a copy of the proposed jury instructions and verdict forms is emailed in word format to the staff attorney at least fourteen days before the scheduled trial date.. Plaintiff’s counsel must ensure proposed jury instructions and verdict forms are emailed to the Staff Attorney in Word format at least 14 days before trial.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Jury Trials

What must be included with guilty plea filings before Judge Wende C. Cross?

Check all applicable registration requirements and attach the corresponding registry plea addenda to the plea.

View ruleSource: page 2

What must be included with plea filings before Judge Wende C. Cross?

Attach the corresponding registry plea addendum for each applicable registration requirement.

View ruleSource: page 3, section ENTRY WITHDRAWING PLEA OF NOT GUILTY AND ENTERING PLEA OF NO CONTEST

How may parties contact Judge Wende C. Cross' chambers?

Before contacting Judge Cross’s Staff Attorney to schedule oral argument on a civil motion, contact opposing counsel.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Motion Practice

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Wende C. Cross?

Requests for continuances or extensions of time must be made in writing.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Calendaring and Continuances

Is electronic filing required before Judge Wende C. Cross?

Yes. Electronic filing is required for the covered filings. The completed form should be submitted to CrossLawClerk@cms.hamilton-co.org.

View ruleSource: page 1

What filing deadlines does Judge Wende C. Cross set?

Any appeal must be filed within 30 days of the sentence.

View ruleSource: page 3, section GUILTY PLEA — ENTRY WITHDRAWING PLEA OF NOT GUILTY AND ENTERING PLEA OF GUILTY
Complete rules summary for Judge Wende C. Cross

Check all applicable registration requirements and attach the corresponding registry plea addenda to the plea.

Any appeal must be filed within 30 days of the sentence.

If the parties determine a protective order is necessary, they will submit a joint proposed order to the Court.

The completed form should be submitted to CrossLawClerk@cms.hamilton-co.org.

Rule 26(B) disclosures must not be filed with the Court.

The Rule 26(F) Conference Report and Discovery Plan must be filed at least seven days before the initial case management conference.

Any appeal must be filed within 30 days of sentencing.

Attach the corresponding registry plea addendum for each applicable registration requirement.

Any appeal must be filed within thirty days of the sentence.

An opposition to a motion in limine is due 14 days thereafter.

Trial briefs must include facts, controlling law, stipulations, a witness list with testimony descriptions, and an exhibit list with descriptions.

Civil motions are generally decided on the papers after briefing is complete, without oral argument.

A reply is not permitted in the motion-in-limine briefing sequence.

Every motion must be written and accompanied by a proposed order.

A file-stamped courtesy copy should be provided to the court for any motion and responsive briefs.

Before contacting Judge Cross’s Staff Attorney to schedule oral argument on a civil motion, contact opposing counsel.

A continuance request should specify a date, preferably agreed to by opposing counsel, and counsel must have a valid reason for requesting it.

The parties are encouraged to work together to resolve discovery disputes.

Before filing a motion to compel over an unresolved discovery dispute, the parties must contact the Staff Attorney in civil cases or the Bailiff in criminal cases; the court will schedule a conference by telephone, video, or in person.

Requests for continuances or extensions of time must be made in writing.

Counsel should contact opposing counsel before filing a continuance or extension motion to determine whether it will be opposed.

A trial date may be continued only by the court and only in exceptional circumstances.

Each party must file a pretrial statement at least one week before the final pretrial.

A final pretrial statement should summarize the case, settlement negotiations, expected trial length and potential witnesses, and anticipated special issues or trial needs.

A motion in limine must be filed at least 21 days before trial.

Trial briefs and jury instructions must be submitted no later than 14 days before trial.

Counsel must confer about proposed jury instructions with a view to reaching agreement.

Identify agreed and disputed jury instructions, and provide a separate legal-authority citation for each disputed instruction.

Plaintiff’s counsel must ensure proposed jury instructions and verdict forms are emailed to the Staff Attorney in Word format at least 14 days before trial.

In civil cases, parties must confer and provide a brief case statement for the court to read to the jury before opening statements.

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